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Teeth health

Teeth and gum health

People with diabetes are more likely to develop dental problems. You can reduce your risk by managing your diabetes and having regular dental checks and timely treatment.

Dental problems cause less damage when detected and treated early.

Have a dental check at least once a year. Your dentist will assess the health of your gums and teeth. If you have dentures, your dentist will look for pressure spots and check the fit of your dentures.

Blood glucose levels above your target range increase the risk of dental problems such as tooth decay, and gum infections or disease.

Signs of dental problems include a dry mouth and sore, swollen or bleeding gums. Dental problems can include tooth decay, gum infections (gingivitis) and gum disease. Tooth and gum infections can increase your risk of heart disease. Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible if you notice any signs of tooth decay or gum disease.

You can protect your teeth and gums with regular brushing and flossing. Read more in our fact sheet or listen to our podcast.

A light blue promotional graphic featuring text that reads 'Have you listened to our Diabetes Annual Cycle of Care Podcast?'. Below the main text, there is a dark blue rectangular button containing the words 'LISTEN TODAY
Dental health podcast

Listen to our Annual cycle of care podcast series to learn more about dental health and seeing your dentist.

Listen now

It is essential to do an annual cycle of care to find any health problems early. Without regular checks, diabetes can lead to health problems that can affect your whole body, including your kidneys, eyes, feet, nerves and heart. Ask your doctor for the timing of health checks and targets that meet your individual health needs.

Read more in our fact sheet or listen to our podcast series.

An NDSS fact sheet titled 'Your diabetes annual cycle of care', outlining the checklist for reviewing diabetes management and general health each year. The header image depicts a medical consultation, showing a female doctor in a white lab coat with a stethoscope talking to an older male patient in a clinic room. Below the blue title, the text details yearly health checks, featuring a subsection on HbA1c on the left and sections regarding blood pressure and foot checks on the right.
Your diabetes annual cycle of care fact sheet

The diabetes annual cycle of care is a checklist for reviewing your diabetes management and general health each year.

Download now
A light blue promotional graphic featuring text that reads 'Have you listened to our Diabetes Annual Cycle of Care Podcast?'. Below the main text, there is a dark blue rectangular button containing the words 'LISTEN TODAY
Annual cycle of care podcast series

Listen to our Annual cycle of care podcast series to learn more about what it is, why it’s important, and what you need to know about it.

Available in other languages Listen now

Featured resources

An NDSS fact sheet titled 'Your diabetes annual cycle of care', outlining the checklist for reviewing diabetes management and general health each year. The header image depicts a medical consultation, showing a female doctor in a white lab coat with a stethoscope talking to an older male patient in a clinic room. Below the blue title, the text details yearly health checks, featuring a subsection on HbA1c on the left and sections regarding blood pressure and foot checks on the right.
Your diabetes annual cycle of care fact sheet

The diabetes annual cycle of care is a checklist for reviewing your diabetes management and general health each year.

Download now
An NDSS
Blood glucose monitoring fact sheet

Checking your blood glucose levels can help you manage your diabetes. You will be able to see what makes your numbers go ‘up’ or ‘down’.

Available in other languages Download now
An NDSS fact sheet titled 'Diabetes-related complications', which outlines long-term health risks and management strategies for people living with diabetes. The header image at the top shows a woman and a young child smiling while gardening together outdoors. Below the blue title, the text is split into two columns under blue headings: the left column lists different types of complications affecting areas like the eyes, feet, and cardiovascular system, while the right column focuses on ways to reduce these risks.
Diabetes-related complications fact sheet

Looking after your diabetes is important for your long-term health. If your diabetes is well managed and you take care of your general health, you can reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.

Download now